Wearables tech scores a touchdown

Sports stars in America have signed an historic deal with a Boston-based startup.

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and Boston’s WHOOP – a wearable tech company – have joined forces to provide players with data that monitors their Strain, Recovery, and Sleep.

Armed with five sensors, the WHOOP Strap 2.0 collects data which can be analysed to generate recommendations for improved performance.

“Every day, NFL players produce data that can translate into physiological and financial opportunities. We see partnering with WHOOP as the first step in harnessing this exciting technology,” said Ahmad Nassar, President of NFL Players Inc. “We are excited to have WHOOP and its innovative, holistic monitoring technology serve as our first OneTeam Collective deal. Together, we’re paving the way towards a new frontier where athletes are empowered by data.”

All current and incoming players will be given the device.

Russell Okung, Los Angeles Chargers, said: “WHOOP and the NFLPA are putting the power of data directly in the players’ hands. I want to recover faster, avoid injuries, and have a longer career. This partnership has the potential to contribute to my health, which is imperative to my career in football.”

Players will control their own data and be able to commercialise it.

“Our mission at WHOOP is to empower athletes. This partnership with the NFLPA is truly the first of its kind in that athletes will finally become both healthier and wealthier by collecting, controlling, and ultimately having the ability to sell their own health and performance data. We applaud the NFLPA’s vision and share its commitment to work with athletes to better monitor their recovery and enable longer careers,” added Will Ahmed, founder and CEO at WHOOP.